Crossing Rachmaninoff

This documentary follows Auckland-based, Italian-born pianist Flavio Villani as he prepares to play Sergei Rachmaninoff’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 2 in Italy — his debut performance as a soloist with an orchestra. Director Rebecca Tansley, who funded much of the documentary herself, tails Villani from four months before the recital that will challenge the prodigal son to affirm his career choice and sexuality, in front of his Italian ex-military father. When it debuted at the 2015 Auckland Film Festival, Crossing Rachmaninoff won a standing ovation.

We don’t choose the music, the music chooses us.

– Flavio Villani's mentor Matteo Napoli

Key Cast & Crew

Rebecca Tansley

Director, Producer

Simon Raby

Camera Operator, Cinematographer

Thomas Gleeson

Editor

Mike Westgate

Location Sound Mixer

Tim Storey

Executive Producer

Domenico Di Ruocco

Camera Operator - Italy